Chapter-2: And I Choose You!
It's the eve of their greatest day. Tomorrow they were finally starting their journeys. Ash was sitting in his room with Lucario by his side, as the two watched the TV, which showed the battle between Agatha's Gengar and Bruno's Onix.
He was wearing his outfit, a black t-shirt, light blue jeans and a black undershirt with green fingerless gloves.
"Isn't this exciting Lucairo?" Ash asked, as the adrenaline rushed through his body.
"Yes Master." Lucario replied solemnly, as it continued to observe Gengar play its tricks and confuse Onix. "Master, is Gengar not taking this battle seriously?" Lucario asked.
"Of course not. Gengar is very serious about the battle. But the ultimate idea behind Pokemon battles is to have fun, and Gengar's doing just that. Ghost types are known for their trickery, not brute strength, and by moving around all over the place like that it's messing with Onix's mind, and now as you can see, they're not able to land a single hit." Ash explained, while they watched Onix miss Rock Slide.
"But isn't it cowardice?" Lucario asked.
"No Lucario. Everyone has their own battle style. Dodging is not cowardice, but failing to battle, failing to try to battle, that is cowardice." The boy said.
"I see. In that case Master, I will always be there when you need me Master." Lucario said with a grateful smile,
"Thanks buddy, I know you will. But please stop calling me master. You know I'm just your friend." Ash requested.
"Of course you are. But first and foremost, you are my Master." Lucario answered with a chuckle.
Sighing in defeat, Ash continued to watch the battle. That was until his mom came upstairs.
"Ash Ketchum! Turn off the TV right this instant and go to sleep! How will you go on your journey if you wake up late tomorrow?"
Both Ash and Lucario were startled by the outburst.
"But mom, this battle is so interesting!" Ash complained.
"That's it! You will go to sleep! And you will go now!" Delia said sternly.
"Lucario, you should know when to display cowardice. It's when your mother is angry." Ash whispered hurriedly, before rushing to his bed.
Across the street, Serena lied on her bed, thinking about the recent events. As she thought about it she felt a blush, as she thought about how Ash stood up for her.
FLASHBACK
Ash had come over to the Yvonne's place as Delia went to her sister's in Viridian. It was early morning and he heard a loud scream, as Serena was given a rude awakening by the Tiny Robin Pokemon.
"Serena! It's time for morning practice!" Grace called out from the kitchen.
He heard Serena groan from above. Ash remembered how Serena used to complain about her mom forcing her to practice Rhyhorn Racing everyday.
He silently followed the two ladies to the backyard where Serena mounted on her mother's partner.
"Alright Serena! You can do this!" Grace cheered from the sidelines, as they watched her struggle with keeping steady on Rhyhorn's back.
"Waagh!" Serena screamed frightfully as Rhyhorn jumped around.
"Close your mouth Serena! You'll bite your tongue!" Grace screamed her instructions.
"O-kay!" Serena replied, as Rhyhorn continued to jump around.
While Ash found it a rather fun experience, but he knew Serena didn't like it.
"I've competed in Rhyhorn Races around the world, and now you can do it too!" Grace said in excitement.
"Easy for you to sayyyy!" Serena screamed.
"Come on Serena! Be one with Rhyhorn!" Grace screamed, jumping excitedly, her Fletchling showed the same excitement. And right at that moment Serena flew off of Rhyhorn's back, falling face first, scraping her face.
"Or maybe not." Grace said nervously, while Ash ran up to her.
"Serena, are you alright?" He asked, helping her get up.
"Yeah, I guess." She replied nonchalantly. Ash then turned towards Rhyhorn. "Why did you do that Rhyhorn? She could've been hurt right?"
"But I was just having some fun" Rhyhorn said with a sad expression.
"Look Rhyhorn, I'll admit, that would've been fun, it looked like those Rodeo rides on Tauros that my dad used to take me on. But you know Serena doesn't really like it right? Can't you be a little gentler at least?" Ash asked calmly, while petting its horn.
Grace watched them and decided to walk away, knowing Ash would give all the support her daughter needed.
Ash turned towards Serena. "Hey, you know if you don't want to be a Rhyhorn Racer, you need to tell that to your mom right now, before it's too late."
"But she's my mother, it'll hurt her if I just go and say that to her right?" Serena asked nervously.
"No Serena. She's your mother. She loves you and she won't ever tell you to do something that you don't want to. You just need to tell her." Ash said, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, like someone else I need to jus tell to." Serena thought to herself.
"Come on Serena. You should just go and tell her." Ash encouraged.
"Okay." Serena agreed hesitantly. "Will you be with me?"
"Of course! I will be there with you all the way!" Ash replied with a goofy grin, before pulling her to her house.
Ash knocked on the door, and Grace opened it.
"Ms Yvonne, Serena has something to tell to you." Ash started.
"Sure Hon, what is it?" Grace asked, knowing exactly what her daughter wants to tell.
"Mom.." The girl started nervously. "Idontwanttobearhyrhornracer" She blurted out.
"What are you saying dear? Please be a little more clear." Her mother asked.
Ash moved forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a bright smiley nod. She nodded back, and took a deep breath. "Mom, I... don't want to be... a Rhyhorn racer."
She closed her eyes, expecting an outburst from her mother, but none came at all. She opened her eyes to find her mother flashing a smile at her. "I know dear. I always knew you didn't want to be a Rhyhorn racer."
"Huh? Then why did you always make me take those rides?" Serena asked with a pout.
"There are two reasons for that. I wanted you to become a strong girl, both physically and mentally. And Rhyhorn Racing was the perfect way for that. And the second is that I could now spend some time with you, we could have some fun as mother and daughter. You know about my fashion sense right? I knew we'd never see eye to eye on that, so I thought I'll spend some time with you this way." Grace explained.
By now Serena was already crying. She tackled her mother into a big hug. "I'm sorry mom. All this time you were just trying to help me, and I've only been acting like a little spoilt child. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay dear." The brunette replied, breaking the hug and placing her arms on the girl's shoulders. "I know that you're going to do great with whatever your going to do next, besides, now that you're not going to be a Rhyhorn racer, you can focus on your other goal." She said the last part with a sly smile on her face.
"Mom!" Serena screamed, with a deep red blush evident on her face.
"It's alright Serena, you can go on a journey along with Ash." She said, and turned towards Ash. "And I hope you'll take good care of my daughter Ash."
"You've got it! Although, I'm sure it's going to be the other way around." Ash replied with a goofy smile.
FLASHBACK END
"Tomorrow I'm going to go on a journey with Ash! Mmm I'm so excited!" She squealed internally, before gradually falling into sleep.
In the second room of the Ketchum Residence, Drake sat down preparing for his journey that's going to commence the next day. He's mapped out the entire Kanto region and decided on which Pokemon he'd need throughout the journey, and where he could. Instead of going like most trainers, who go through to Viridian, he'll start with Vermillion City. Going a full spiral, and end with the Viridian gym.
He took out his Charizard's Pokeball and gripped it in his palm. "Tomorrow Pal, just wait till then, and then we can begin our journey!"
He made the pokeball shrink, and placed it on his belt, which was on his table. He went to his bed and closed his eyes.
Next day Ash woke up and wore his outfit. Walking down he saw Drake busy on the Video Phone with Diantha.
"See, Dinah I'm starting my journey today!" He said excitement.
"That's amazing Drake! Look, my parents got me this little girl for me." She said, bringing out her Ralts out of its Pokeball.
"She looks great! You've surely done a good job raising her so far." Drake said, studying the Feeling Pokemon.
"Thanks Drake, I could say the same about you and Charizard." Diantha said with a smile on her face.
"So, will you come to see me at the Indigo League?" Drake asked nervously.
"Of course Drake! I'll be there by the time you're in the league!" The Kalosian said with a bright smile on her face.
Ash walked on the two and decided to join in as well. "Hi Diantha, how're you doing?"
"I'm great Ash. How about you?" The girl asked.
"I'm just so excited for my journey! You know Professor Oak even decided to give me a starter as well!" Ash said excitedly.
"Really? What about you Drake? Are you getting another starter too?" Diantha asked, causing the boy to frown.
"No. This Aipom's the only one getting another starter." He replied.
"Hey!" Ash frowned cutely, before his stomach growled louder than a Snorlax. "I guess, I'll have to have my food first." He said, before running off.
"You know you're lucky to have a little brother! I always wished I had siblings." She said.
"Why don't you swap places with me?" Drake shot back.
"Or I could just join you" She mumbled with a small blush.
"Did you say something?" Drake asked.
"Did you here something?" She questioned back.
"No." The Ketchum boy answered.
"Then I didn't say anything." Diantha answered bashfully.
"Alright then. I'll see ya later Dinah! I'm sure you'll do great once you start out on your journey!" Drake replied.
"Alright then, Bye Drake" She said, before Drake hung up the call. "I love you Drake" She said to the blank screen at her end.
"Alright boys, now have your breakfast, and then you can go to Professor Oak's Lab to get your journey started." Delia said. The twins walked over to the dining table, and began their breakfast. After finishing the meal, they both walked over to the Lab, ready to collect their Pokeballs and Pokedex before leaving on their journey.
Ash, Drake and Serena enter the lab together, while Leaf and Gary were already present there, with another guy who was starting his journey the same day.
"Alright, now that everyone is present here, I'd like you all to choose your starters please. Gilbert, since you're the one who came first, you'll be the first." The professor announced.
"Alright! Let's go!" He jumped joyfully.
"But before that, these are your Pokedex. They'll help you identify every Pokemon you come across." Prof. Oak said, giving them each a red device.
"Now, here are the three Pokemon available for you to choose from. The Fire type, Charmander. The Grass Type, Bulbasaur, and the Water type, Squirtle." Prof. Oak continued.
"Well! I already know who I'm gonna pick! It's quite a simple choice for me! Charmander! I choose You!" Gilbert exclaimed. The Lizard Pokemon happily jumped over to him, and the two shared a hug.
"Alright Leaf, you're next." The professor called out.
"Alright! I choose... Bulbasaur of course!" She said. She always wanted to start out with the grass type, it was an obvious choice.
"Bulba Saur!" The Plant Pokemon exclaimed and hugged her.
"Now Gary, you're next." The Professor continued.
"Well, I wanted a Squirtle anyways. Seeing that Drake's got a Charizard, and he's the only serious competition here, Squirtle is the best choice!" Gary explained arrogantly.
"Hey! What do you mean by that?!" Ash screamed at the Oak.
"I'll see ya at the Indigo League." Gary said to him. "If you make it till there, Ashy Boy!" He added slyly.
"Well I'll be glad to beat ya there Oak Tree!" Ash countered back, shutting his rival's mouth.
"Now Ash, this is a very special Pokemon. I want you to take care of it. It's going to be very difficult, because the little guy in there doesn't trust humans at all. That's the reason I'm letting you to be its trainer." Professor Oak explained giving the Raven Haired boy a pokeball with a small lightning bolt symbol.
"Alright Professor." Ash said in understanding. He then tossed the Pokeball to reveal the iconic Yellow Rat.
"Pikachu!" The Mouse Pokemon exclaimed, after finally being let out of its Pokeball.
"Hey there Pikachu." Ash called the electric type, who turned back and watched the boy curiously. "Hi Pikachu, I'm Ash, we're going on a journey and I'd like for you to join me." He said with a sweet smile."
"Get lost human!" Pikachu screamed and shocked the boy.
"Haha Ashy Boy! You're really gonna make it to the Indigo League!" Gary laughed sarcastically.
"Knock it out Gary!" Serena chided the Oak.
Ignoring the Mahogany haired boy, Ash turned to Pikachu. "Well Pikachu, I just want to be your friend. Now why don't we get along together?" He asked, pointing the Pokeball, as Pikachu shivered in fear. "No! Not that blasted ball again!" It screamed out loudly.
"Okay. If you don't want to go in the Pokeball, it's fine with me." Ash shrugged.
Pikachu looked at the boy in confusion. He seemed different from the other humans so far. But it can't trust humans, not after what had happened earlier.
"Come on Pikachu. Let's go!" Ash called out, spreading his arms for a hug.
"Come on Pikachu! Let's go!" Pikachu remembered a terrifying memory, and shocked Ash out of instinct.
"Ash! NO!" Serena screamed in fear.
"Don't... worry Serena... I'm alright!" Ash said to her. He turned and crawled his way to Pikachu, grunting from the pain from being shocked. He reached the Mouse Pokemon and gave it a soothing hug. "There there buddy... calm down."
In a moment, the Electric type calmed down. "Pi... Ka?" Pikachu looked up, and saw the boy hugging it to give it comfort.
The boy seemed good, it guessed. Maybe it could go with the boy, for now. And if something wrong were to happen, he could always leave.
"Will you come with me buddy?" Ash asked again.
Pikachu looked up to the boy and saw him smiling through the pain from the shock. After considering his options, it decided that it should go with the boy. So it nodded and stood beside him.
"Alright, now Serena, it's your turn. I've actually arranged for the Kalos Starters for you. Why don't you come with me?" The professor said, as he lead Serena to the video phone.
"Serena, this is Professor Sycamore, and he's the Regional Professor for the Kalos region." Professor Oak said, introducing the other man in lab coat.
"Hello there Serena. I hear you're from Kalos. It's marvelous to meet you." The younger professor greeted.
"Hello Professor." Serena replied shyly.
"Now Serena, these are the three Kalos Starters. You have the Grass type, Chespin. The Water type, Froakie. And the Fire type, Fennekin. So, do you know who your gonna pick?" Prof. Sycamore asked.
"They're all really cute, but I've made my choice. Hi there Fennekin, I'm Serena. Will you join me?" She asked.
"Fenna!" The Fox Pokemon barked excitedly, but the water type starter's face fell. It always thought Fennekin was cute, but could never get to say anything, and now the chance was gone. It's always been the rowdy one, and a lot of time it would just return to the lab all by itself. Now it had neither the perfect trainer, nor its perfect mate.
"Really? Thank you Fennekin!" Serena said with a bright smile on her face.
"Marvelous! I'll send Fennekin over to you professor." prof. Sycamore said.
"Sure Augustine!" Professor Oak said. Fennekin's Pokeball transferred to the lab. "Fennekin's here, safe and sound."
"Alright Kids! We'll speak some other day. I hope your journeys are all marvelous" Prof. Sycamore said before hanging the call.
"Alright Fennekin! Come on Out!" Serena said, summoning the Fire type out of its Pokeball.
"Alright everyone, you can start on your journeys from now. Go and Make Pallet Town Proud!" Professor Oak said. The kids walked down the stairs of the lab, and waiting for them was Gary's red convertible.
"Since when do you have car?" Serena asked in surprise
"And cheerleaders?" Ash scoffed.
"Gary Gary he's our man! He can't do it no one can!" The cheerleaders started singing, making the rest cringe.
"Enough of this! Drake declared dangerously, and summoned his shiny Charizard, who fired up powerful flamethrowers into the sky, shutting the cheerleaders down.
"Alright, hey let's meet at Route 1 before starting out." Leaf suggested.
"Count me out! I'll be off to Vermillion City after meeting mom." Drake said grumpily.
"Well, I'll be going to Viridian City today! We'll meet at Route 1!" Ash declared.
"I'll come too!" Serena said nervously.
"Alright then. See you guys in an hour!" Leaf said excitedly, before speeding off on her bike. She was Ash's cousin, but looking at her one would think she was his twin, not Drake.
"Ash! Drake! Welcome back sweeties!" Delia squealed opening the door.
"Hey mom! Look, the professor has asked me to train Pikachu." Ash said happily, pointing to the Mouse walking beside him.
"That's wonderful sweetie. Now you can have two starters." The brunette said.
"Actually, mom. Me and Lucario decided to wait until we reached Pewter City. Until then he'll wait here and keep you company." Ash explained.
"Yes Mistress. I wish to stay here until Master has need of me. I shall return to his side when he shall need my help." Lucario spoke.
"Lucario, you don't need to call me Mistress." Delia said sweetly.
"I've given up on that Mom." Ash said, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"Now boys, I've packed you both your sneakers and jeans. Clean Shirts and Underwear. Your favorite snacks, and some hot chocolate in case you want something hot. But be careful not to burn yourself. And a pair of rubber gloves to do your laundry and cloth lines to let them dry..." Delia continued her list.
"Mom! You're embarrassing us!" Both Drake and Ash screamed together.
"I know boys. It's just, you've both grown up so much, and you're already leaving. *sobs* I'm just so glad that you're both taking this step of your life. Know that your mom is always proud of you. Okay boys?" Delia said, wiping the drop of tear that fell from her eyes.
"Yes Mom! We'll take care of ourselves. You don't need to worry about us at all!" Drake declared.
"Alright mom. I'll make you proud! Promise!" Ash said, walking out along with his brother.
"Oh and remember boys." Delia called them out one final time. "Don't forget to change your underwear! Every Single Day."
"MOMM!" The two boys screamed.
"Alright then, I'll be off." Drake said, calling out his starter. "Take to the air Charizard." He said, mounting the flame Pokemon. The Fire type gave a mighty roar, before flapping its wings and disappearing into the skies.
"Okay mom. I have to go too. Me, Serena and Leaf decided to meet up at Route 1.
"Alright Sweetie. Now you take care of yourself okay?" Delia said, hiding her sad tone.
"Yes mom... I'll miss you too. Bye mom! And Lucario, I'll call you over from the Pokemon Center."
"Yes Master. I shall train hard until then." Lucario replied sincerely.
"Okay mom. Bye!" Ash said as he ran off towards Route 1.
Leaf and Serena stood on Route 1, waiting for Ash to arrive. "So, lover girl. How do you plan on asking my brother out?" The brunette asked in a teasing manner.
"Wha... What do you mean Leaf?" Serena asked, blushing in embarrassment.
"Come on! Everyone knows about how hard you crush on my bro." Leaf said bluntly.
"Yeah, everyone except Ash does." Serena sighed sadly.
"Hey, that's what I'm trying to tell you. You need to ask him, to go with him on the journey of course." Leaf said, grinning goofily like her brother.
Ash came running in. "Hey guys, I'm not late am I?" He asked.
"No Ash. You're just in time." Leaf giggled. "Now take care of yourself okay? Don't land yourself into too much trouble, coz I know you can't keep yourself out."
The three shared a nice laughter on that before Ash spoke up again. "You know Leaf, take care of yourself as well. I'm sure you'll be able to complete the Pokedex in no time!" Ash said clenching his fist. He raised the fist into the air.
On that cue, Leaf put her fist into a fist bump, before Ash pulled her into a brotherly hug.
"Alright then. I'll catch with ya guys later! And Serena, I'm sure you can do it!" Leaf said, winking at the Honey Blonde, before carrying off in her bike. Now only the two were left.
"Hey umm Serena. I was wondering... If you want to... come with me on this journey?" Ash asked while nervously rubbing his nose.
To Serena it was a Dream Come True. She was wondering how she was going to ask him to take her on the journey, and now here he was, inviting her. She thanked Mew to show her so much mercy, funny how the playful feline was the reason they met in the first place.
"Yes Ash. I'd love to." Serena replied bashfully, and the two friends (for now) rushed towards Viridian City.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
AUTHOR'S NOTES
The second chapter's done. Now I don't think I've mentioned the relations here. Leaf would be the daughter of Green (Red's twin) and Rose. She's younger than the twins by two months.
Ash and Serena have now decided to journey together. What new exciting adventures await them? To know, keep following the Story.
